Then this great hero, whom the world worships and calls "The Bold," bent over the trembling women and upbraided them in language that I will not write.
"God curse me if I will have my life made miserable by a pair of fools," cried the duke.

"I am wretched enough without this useless annoyance.
Enemies abroad and disobedience in my own family will drive me mad!" The women slipped from the divan to the floor at the duke's feet, and clung to each other.

The duchess covered the princess to protect her from the duke's blow, and, alas! took it herself.

Charles stepped back, intending to kick his daughter, but the duchess again threw herself on Yolanda and again received the blow.

By that time the duke's fury was beyond all measure, and he stooped to drag his wife from Yolanda that he might vent his wrath upon the sobbing girl.